Developing Kubernetes Multi-Cloud Multi-Cluster Strategy

The article discusses how Kubernetes can be used in a multi-cloud environment through the multiple cluster model. This approach allows for high availability, greater fault tolerance, and less complicated inter-cloud host-level networking compared to single clusters using nodes from several clouds. Multi-cloud computing involves combining resources from multiple public clouds to create an infrastructure system. Kubernetes simplifies workload distribution across cloud accounts by either joining compute nodes from multiple clouds into a single cluster or deploying a new cluster to each account and centrally managing them using a dedicated platform. The benefits of multi-cloud, multi-cluster Kubernetes include improved redundancy, reduced vendor lock-in, enhanced scaling, and cost optimization. However, there are also challenges such as lack of centralized management, unclear visibility, networking and data transfer problems, and security, identity, and access management issues. To address these problems, the article provides a step-by-step guide on implementing multi-cloud, multi-cluster Kubernetes strategy, including selecting the right cloud providers, managing networking and connectivity, controlling data management and storage, enforcing consistent security and compliance controls, implementing dependable access management, automating and managing multi-cloud deployments, setting up multi-cloud monitoring and observability, and optimizing costs across clouds. The article also highlights popular tools for managing multiple Kubernetes clusters such as Spacelift, Rancher, Istio, and GKE Multi-Cloud. Finally, the article provides best practices for designing cluster architecture, avoiding cloud provider-specific APIs and functionality, implementing standardized systems for cluster management, control, and policy enforcement, and continually reviewing infrastructure to identify new optimization and cost-reduction opportunities.